Kittens are generally less expensive at the vet than puppies, but the first year still involves several essential veterinary appointments. Budget £300–£800 for veterinary care in your kitten's first year. Here is what to expect.

Vaccinations

Kittens need a primary vaccination course, typically two injections given 3–4 weeks apart from 9 weeks old. The core vaccines cover feline parvovirus (feline panleucopenia), feline calicivirus, and feline herpesvirus (cat flu).

  • Primary vaccination course: £50–£80 (two visits)
  • FeLV (feline leukaemia) vaccine: £20–£40 extra — recommended for cats that will go outdoors

Neutering

Cats can be neutered from 4 months old. Early neutering is strongly recommended to prevent unwanted litters — cats can become pregnant from as young as 4 months.

  • Male cat castration: £50–£100
  • Female cat spaying: £100–£200

The Cats Protection League and other charities offer subsidised neutering. Some local councils provide neutering vouchers worth £25–£50.

Microchipping

Microchipping became compulsory for cats in England from June 2024. Kittens must be microchipped before they are 20 weeks old.

  • Microchipping: £10–£30 (often included in neutering or vaccination appointments)

Parasite Prevention

Kittens need regular worming and flea treatment from a young age:

  • Worming: Every 2 weeks from 3–8 weeks, monthly to 6 months, then quarterly. Annual cost: £12–£40.
  • Flea treatment: Monthly from 8 weeks old. Annual cost: £36–£120 depending on product.

For indoor cats, quarterly worming with a basic product and year-round flea treatment (yes, even indoor cats can get fleas) is usually sufficient.

Common Kitten Ailments

Kittens are prone to certain health issues in the first year:

  • Cat flu (upper respiratory infection): Very common in kittens, especially those from shelters or multi-cat environments. Treatment: £50–£150 for consultation plus medication.
  • Diarrhoea: Often caused by dietary changes, worms, or stress. Treatment: £40–£120.
  • Ear mites: Common in kittens. Treatment: £30–£60 for consultation plus ear drops.
  • Eye infections: Particularly in flat-faced breeds. Treatment: £30–£80.

Indoor vs Outdoor Considerations

If your kitten will go outdoors (usually from 6 months old, after neutering and vaccination), additional costs include:

  • FeLV vaccination: £20–£40
  • Monthly lungworm prevention: £3–£12 per dose
  • Higher risk of injuries, abscesses from fighting, and road traffic accidents

Keeping your cat indoors significantly reduces vet bills over their lifetime, though it requires enrichment investment (scratching posts, interactive toys, climbing frames).

Total First Year Costs

  • Vaccinations: £50–£120
  • Neutering: £50–£200
  • Microchipping: £0–£30
  • Worming: £12–£40
  • Flea treatment: £36–£120
  • Unexpected vet visits: £50–£200
  • Total: approximately £200–£710

Add kitten insurance at £120–£300 per year, and total first-year veterinary-related costs are £320–£1,010. Kittens are generally cheaper than puppies at the vet, but costs still add up. Compare practice prices using VetCost before registering.

Last updated: March 2026. Sources: Cats Protection, BSAVA guidelines, VetCost pricing data.